Ghana’s rugby league program has achieved a notable milestone with the release of the latest International Rugby League (IRL) world rankings as of December 31, 2025, reflecting strong performances in recent international fixtures that have propelled both the men’s and women’s national teams upward in the global standings.
The men’s team, known for their determined efforts in expanding the sport across West Africa, has made a significant leap, advancing four positions from 39th to 35th, marking them as one of the biggest climbers in the men’s category for this update.
This improvement stems directly from a hard-fought victory over regional rivals Nigeria, where Ghana secured a 36-24 win in a men’s double-header match that showcased their growing tactical maturity and physical prowess on the field.
Meanwhile, the women’s team has also demonstrated progress, rising two spots from 21st to 19th, contributing to the overall positive momentum for rugby league in the country.
These gains come at a particularly auspicious time for Ghana, following the Rugby League Federation Ghana’s elevation to full IRL membership status in December 2025, a recognition of over a decade of dedicated development work that began with grassroots initiatives and has now positioned the nation as the 15th full member of the global governing body.
This full membership opens doors to enhanced funding, technical support, and greater international exposure, allowing the federation to further promote inclusivity across men’s, women’s, and youth programs while making the sport more accessible nationwide.
Rugby League Federation Ghana President Juliana Storey expressed enthusiasm about these developments, noting that the ranking improvements and new membership status highlight the federation’s commitment and create fresh opportunities for sustainable growth in a sport that continues to gain traction in Africa alongside neighbors like Nigeria, who have also seen rises.